Artwork
Two Costume Studies
Two Costume Studies is an oil painting by Luca Carlevarijs. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The costumes appear to be from the early 18th century, judging by their style and the way they are depicted.
This painting shows two long, flowing costumes side by side. The fabric is light-colored and gathered at the top. The bottom of each costume is trimmed with a darker red color.
The costumes appear to be from the early 18th century, judging by their style and the way they are depicted. The artist has paid close attention to the folds and textures of the fabric.
If you like this painting, you might also enjoy learning more about the artist, Luca Carlevarijs.
Overview
Created in 1705, Two Costume Studies is an oil painting by the Venetian artist Luca Carlevarijs. The work presents a pair of elongated, flowing garments placed side by side, each rendered in a light hue with a darker red trim at the hem. The study focuses on the drapery and texture of early‑eighteenth‑century costume, offering a close observation of fabric movement.
Subject & Meaning
The composition isolates the two costumes, allowing the viewer to examine the silhouette, folds, and decorative details typical of aristocratic attire of the period. By removing any narrative context, Carlevarijs emphasizes the material qualities of the garments, suggesting an interest in fashion documentation as well as an exploration of how light interacts with cloth.
Technique & Style
Carlevarijs employs a restrained palette and delicate brushwork to convey the translucency of the fabric. Careful modeling of shadows and highlights creates a sense of volume, while the subtle gradations of tone render the gathered folds with realism. The treatment reflects the artist’s broader vedute practice, translating his city‑scape precision to the intimate study of textile.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection, acquired as a representative example of Carlevarijs’s early work. Though best known for pioneering Venetian vedute, this piece demonstrates his versatility and contributed to the visual language later adopted by Canaletto and Francesco Guardi. Its preservation in a major museum ensures continued scholarly access.
Artist & collection
Artist
Luca Carlevarijs or Carlevaris (20 January 1663 – 12 February 1730) was an Italian painter and engraver working mainly in Venice.
